Helpful Resources

Technology has opened doors for teachers to share ideas with others.  There is so much out there!  So many teachers do amazing things and they are willing to share.  Technology is an important part of our teaching and our students’ futures.  Using technology in your classroom can transform your teaching and also make learning fun and exciting for your students.  There are so many educational videos for your students to watch and interacting sites for your students to be involved with.   Here is a list of a few online recourses that I currently use as a student and will continue to use as a teacher.      

Pinterest
Pinterest is a very fun and exciting site for everyone. It is great for current and future teachers. Pinterest provides great educational activities, websites, and videos. It also provides great ways to decorate and organize classrooms. This site is very fun and addicting!

Ixl
Ixl is an interactive math website for elementary and middle school students. It provides question that follow the state standards. Teachers are also able to track student's progress over time. 

Teachers Pay Teachers
Teachers Pay Teachers is a great site where teachers can share, buy, and sell their creations.  The materials are created by teachers who are actually in the classroom, which ensures that the materials relevant.  This site also allows teachers to be a part of a larger community of educators outside of their school district. 

YouTube or TeacherTube
YouTube has matured into a great resource for teachers.  Teachers can find a vast amount of videos to show to their class or use as a tool for themselves.  Using videos in your classroom can keep your classroom engaging and new.   

Minnesota Department of Education
This is the Minnesota Department of Education site.  It offers information on Minnesota state standards, testing, curriculum, sample items for state testing, and much more.  Teachers should keep this site on hand for easy access to current state information and recourses. 

Fun Brain 
Fun Brain is a great site for teachers to use.  It provides free interactive educational games and online books for students in preschool through eighth grade.  These games and activates help develop strong math and reading skills. 

Gearing Up For The Minnesota Math Standards!

As a future educator, taking on the challenge of understanding and covering math standards feels slightly overwhelming to say the least.  You not only need to know and understand the standards of the grade you are teaching, but also the standards from the previous year and next year.  With the right techniques and planning, I will be able to take on the overwhelming challenge of teaching math standards to my students.      

It is critical to understand the academic standards chosen by the state you are teaching in.  They are important because they are what will drive your teaching.  The standards that I am choosing to focus on are the Minnesota Math Standards.  The Minnesota Department of Education’s belief is:  “All students can and should be mathematically proficient. All students should learn important mathematical concepts, skills, and relationships with understanding.” 

It is easy to agree with the Minnesota Department of Education’s belief, however, how do you go about making that a reality in your classroom?  You can’t let the challenges hold you back.  Being prepared for the challenges we face with a strong commitment and belief in your students is key to students progress. 

When preparing for teaching, I will begin by understanding the standards required for the subject that I am teaching.  My next step will be to have my curriculum planned and mapped out to align with these standards.  I want to make learning standards fun, exciting, and engaging for my students by using additional tools.  There are an abundance of resources available to teachers to supplement their curriculum and instruction.  Part of the curriculum planning and mapping would include links to those additional resources.  They may be such things as: anchor charts, hands on activities, PowerPoints, educational games or videos, projects, using technology, assessment tools, enrichment actives, and remedial activities.